Project DreamCatcher wraps up Spring Cohort

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

Two members of the Gila River Indian Community recently graduated from the Project DreamCatcher 2024 Spring cohort on April 26.

Susanna Osife, District 2, and Yvonne Garcia, District 4, were just two of 25 women who were selected from 300 applicants for the Project DreamCatcher spring cohort.

Project DreamCatcher is a free business development program for Native American women entrepreneurs, created in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Eligible participants must be enrolled members of one of the qualifying Tribal Nations, which include the Hualapai Tribe, Navajo Nation, San Carlos Apache Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe, and Tohono O’odham Nation. While priority is given to participants from these five tribes, enrolled members of nine additional Tribal Nations are also eligible, which include Ak-Chin Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Hopi Tribe, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Tonto Apache Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe, and Zuni Pueblo.

Over seven days, participants engaged in intensive workshops covering various topics, from business planning and marketing strategies to financial literacy and networking, all designed exclusively for Native women. The program includes one-on-one coaching, advisory sessions, and MBA-level business classes.

This unique initiative, aimed at fostering economic empowerment among Indigenous women, provided participants with critical tools and insights to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.             

“I’ve actually had three businesses prior to this latest one,” said Garcia. Her first business was web consulting and web design for some years; she was also a jewelry consultant and an independent beauty consultant, which she still does part-time. “I just transitioned into other things, but they definitely gave me experience that I needed as far as working with other people, managing clientele.”

Garcia, a graduate of ASU, is employed with the Gila River Broadcasting Corp. as a production coordinator. She heard about the DreamCatcher program from fellow students at ASU and saw the entrepreneur program as a vital stepping stone.

“I’ve had this idea for my latest endeavor, and I just refer to it as my ‘native network’ because I’ve come to learn that I am a sort of hub within my circle,” said Garcia.

Throughout the week, she honed her business plan, learning how to attract investors and market her unique approach to creating a business that serves as event planning services while acting as a liaison and providing a database between individuals and organizations.

Osife’s business, Rez Streetwear, is a fashion design brand where she creates her own apparel with an Indigenous and modern touch.

“Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on an unforgettable experience,” said Osife. “Throughout the week, I worked with women from various tribal communities. I’ve learned so many aspects to further improve my small business.”

The program’s success is not just measured by the knowledge imparted, but by the community it fosters. Participants leave with more than business acumen; they gain a network of like-minded women who understand their struggles and share their dreams. This sense of solidarity and mutual support is crucial in overcoming the unique obstacles faced by Native women entrepreneurs.

“I’m so grateful for this journey of growth, empowerment, and sisterhood. Being part of a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs has been invaluable. The encouragement and shared experiences have filled my passion and determination.”

For more information on Project DreamCatcher, visit https://thunderbird.asu.edu/lifelong-learning/entrepreneurship/dream-catcher